Life sentences sought for six accused over Senegalese pirogue
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Las Palmas prosecutors have sought life imprisonment for six of the 16 accused in the case of a pirogue that left Senegal, with 58 deaths alleged by the prosecution. The trial is due to take place before a jury in Spain, while the defendants are presumed innocent, according to Efe.
Prosecutors in Las Palmas, Spain, have sought life imprisonment for six of the 16 people prosecuted in the case of a pirogue that left Senegal and was rescued on 24 August 2025 off the Canary Islands. Prosecutors accuse, among others, the man described as the “marabout” of orchestrating violence on board, according to Efe, as cited by Senego.
The pirogue was carrying 251 people when it was rescued 439 kilometres south of Gran Canaria. The prosecution alleges six murders and 52 deaths caused by negligence, making 58 deaths in total, while some survivors reported between 50 and 70 deaths, Efe reports.
Survivors described torture, beatings and passengers being tied up, with some allegedly thrown alive into the sea. Videos filmed on board and testimonies are among the evidence in the case, according to Senego.
The 16 defendants are due to appear before a jury in Spain. They are presumed innocent, Senego recalls.
